Every first Wednesday of the month, the Global Café Series takes place at Café Grounds (WMDC). Students and teachers from the Global Musics department present short, informal concerts of 20–30 minutes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover the richness of Global Musics at Codarts while enjoying coffee, soup, or a sandwich. The first edition will be on Wednesday 1 October, featuring a duo that brings the wealth of Anatolian folk music to life. Lucie Lelaurain plays the duduk and flute, while Bori Mályi plays the bağlama and sings. They weave melodies together that have carried stories across generations.
Autumn edition: October 22–24, 2025 This course is designed for anyone interested in music therapy, especially those considering the Master in Music Therapy at Codarts (next cohort: September 2026). Learn from experienced faculty, explore music therapy methods, and gain insight into the professional field.
Autumn edition: October 20–24, 2025 (full, application for waiting list possible) This course is ideal for anyone curious about dance movement therapy, especially those considering the Master in Dance Movement Therapy at Codarts (next cohort: September 2026). Experience the field, explore your interest, and learn from our experienced faculty.
Spring edition: February 16–20, 2026 This course is ideal for anyone curious about dance movement therapy, especially those considering the Master in Dance Movement Therapy at Codarts (next cohort: September 2026). Experience the field, explore your interest, and learn from our experienced faculty.
Spring edition: February 18 – February 20, 2026 This course is designed for anyone interested in music therapy, especially those considering the Master in Music Therapy at Codarts (next cohort: September 2026). Learn from experienced faculty, explore music therapy methods, and gain insight into the professional field.
This year, five new faculty members join Codarts Classical Music. Each brings a unique background and specialization – from music history to organ improvisation, and from tuba to bass trombone.
Composition teacher Robin de Raaff experienced two career highlights this summer: the world premiere of his latest work L’Azur on 27 August at the Lucerne Festival, followed just four days later by the German premiere at the Philharmonie in Berlin during Musikfest Berlin. The cantata for mixed choir and orchestra is a tribute to Pierre Boulez, who would have turned 100 this year, and is based on the poem of the same name by Stéphane Mallarmé. Commissioned by the Lucerne Festival in collaboration with the Pierre Boulez foundation and the NTR Zaterdag Matinee, L’Azur once again brought De Raaff international recognition. The work was performed by the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and the Groot Omroepkoor under the direction of Karina Canellakis. With his extensive oeuvre of symphonies, concertos, and operas, De Raaff is regarded as one of the most prolific Dutch composers of his generation. His international experiences at festivals such as Lucerne and Berlin flow directly into his teaching at Codarts, where he inspires students with his artistic insights and hands-on experience on the world’s leading stages. Robin de Raaff is a composition teacher at Codarts and an internationally recognized composer whose works are performed worldwide by leading orchestras and ensembles. More information about Robin de Raaff and his work can be found at www.robinderaaff.com .
A warm welcome and careful preparation In the months leading up to this new academic year, we connected with our new students through introductory activities, workshops and performances. This gave them a taste of the rich diversity and spirit of collaboration that Global Musics stands for. Behind the scenes, our staff worked on the final details of the new curriculum this summer, refining courses and preparing the teaching spaces so that everything was ready for the 2025-2026 academic year. When the doors opened, we didn't just start a new academic year – we also began a new chapter in the history of this department. The energy, creativity and global outlook that characterise this programme are already coming to life. We are delighted to have welcomed our first students and to see the journey truly begin. A renewed programme for a globalised music landscape In 2023/2024 an extensive survey of teachers and experts revealed that the World Music Department in its current form no longer met the changing wishes and needs of students and the music industry. Technological advances and globalisation have led to new challenges in music education. Codarts is responding to this with a revamped programme that prepares students for an increasingly globalised music landscape. With this transition, Codarts aims to continue to fulfil its pioneering role by focusing on new musical forms and modern technologies, such as digital music production and cross-cultural projects with local and international partners. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of two new specialisations: Maqam and Modal Traditions along the Silk Road and Caribbean and South American (CaSA) Music Traditions .
The first week of the new academic year officially started on1 September. Last week was therefore dedicated to the introduction week for all new first-year students. Over the course of five days, the new students got to know their new school and fellow students better. On Monday, they were welcomed with an introductory speech by the Executive Board president, David Lauwen. After that, the student panel shared their experiences of their intro week, their favorite spots in Rotterdam, and gave tips on how to maintain a good balance between study and relaxation. The day ended with an information fair. The rest of the week focused on multidisciplinary collaboration on a performance, which they presented on Thursday at Fenix to fellow students and staff. The circus location was transformed into a small theater for the occasion. On Friday, the students followed a programme organized by their own study programmes, during which they met their classmates and teachers, participated in workshops, and received practical information about their studies.
In this performance, Codarts' talents showcase a selection of the best that contemporary dance has to offer. The dancers, from all parts of the world, present a unique programme of solos, duets and group pieces - drawn from existing repertoire and new work by top international choreographers and young choreography talents. With this performance, we conclude a successful theater and dance season and also give a taste of what the Talent On The Move Tour 2026, in collaboration with Holland Dance Festival and Droom en Daad, has to offer. Ticket link
